Banten
Province
The Capital
City of Banten Province
is “Banten”
Banten is Java’s westernmost province, and
it’s most internationally famous the redoubtable volcano Krakatau in the middle
of the Sunda Strait, whose gigantic eruption in 1883 sent shock waves around
the globe. Visitors could hire boats in Jakarta or join day cruises to the
island volcano. Or one could travel over land to the beaches of Merak, Anyer or
Carita on Sunda Strait and begin the short boat ride. All those beach resorts
have reasonably good hotels, cottages at Carita.
For visitors with a bent toward archeology,
there is Old Banten, capital of a former sultanate which became a lost city
more than century after Dutch troops razed it to the ground in retaliation to
the killing of an envoy.
The main area of Banten include the towns of
Tanggerang, Serang, Merak Cilegon, Anyer, Labuan, Pandeglang, Lebak, Ujung
Kulon and Their surround area. The region shave some very interesting Tour
Adventure Objects, be it natural beauty. The coastline starts from the old city
of Banten and goes east to Merak and down South to Anyer, Labuan, Ujung Kulon
where it goes South East up to Pelabuhan Ratu. The hilly part is in Pandeglang
area, approximately 40 minutes drive from the town of Serang. We could see
Mount Pulosari standing erect.
It was considered as a sacred place where the
first Moslem King of Banten sought refuge during the war. The small town of
Pandeglang is well organized, clean, quiet and the air is cooler. On the way to
the town, we will find rice fields with mountain backdrops providing one of
those typical beautiful Indonesian scenes.
As generally the people are referred to as
Orang Banten (Banten People) and they speak the Banten dialect which has
a lot of similarity to the Sundanese dialect of Tanah Pasundan with different
intonations and the use of certain terms. When Moslems arrived in Banten, those
who refused to embrace the new faith fled to the mountain.
The hills in southern Banten are home to the
Baduy Tribes People. An isolated tribe which persists in holding on to it’s old
pre-Moslem ways and beliefs and rejects any intermarrying with outsiders.
Banten is also known for it’s debus players. Today they number to around 6,000
people and are referred to as “Suku Baduy” or the Baduy Tribe. There are two
Baduy communities. Now we start from Baduy Tribes.
History
of Banten Province
Banten
is name of area which known since 14 century. Last ago Banten is place coming
of sea squadron with some trader from any country, and finally Euro people control this area. In year 1330 people
have known a country which as Banten today, and later this area controlled by
Majapahit King with Gajah Mada and Hayam Wuruk leader. In that last time,
Majapahit King and Demak King are two king power in nusantara (Indonesia). In
1524-1570 Moslem trader come to Banten and that time, begin of
islam religious growth in Banten. In about two century later, Banten Kadipaten
build in Surasowan in October 8, 1526. In 1552-1570,
Maulana Hasanudin Panembahan Surasowan become first Banten Sultan (leader). At that time, begin Sultan government in Banten which
finally at Sultan Muhammad Rafi'uddin (1813-1820), which 10-rd sultan
government since last time sultan and people war with illegal government. But
war of Banten people forever, and end of war since illegal government go out
from.
In freedom time,
Banten people want build a province, since 1953 and 1963 made “Panitia” Banten
Province in Serang regency Pendopo. In meeting between Panitia Banten
Province with DPR-GR make agreement to frame Banten Province. In October 25,
1970 the meeting of Banten agree Presidium of Panitia Banten
Province. But not convenient to build one province which unravel of west
Java. In reformation order, struggle of Banten people is very
obstinate because free democracy and regency autonomy (self-government) issue.
In July 18, 1999 there was declaration of Banten people in Serang alun-alun
yard, later Badan Komite Panitia Province Banten arrange basic guide and job
planing and recommendation of Komite Pembentukan Province Banten (PPB). Since
that time, conformed subs of commission PPB in some regency
in Banten to fast conformation of Province Banten . After through martiall
aborious ultimately at 4 October 2000 Tight Paripurna DPR-RI affirm RUU
Banten Province become act No. 23 Year 2000 about Institution
Banten Province. Posterior at date October 17, 2000 Presiden
Abdurrahman Wahid affirm UU No. 23 Year 2000 about PPB.
Traditional Costumes
The Banten traditional costume from Serang territory
is influenced by simplicity and naturally that come from Islamic noble
nuance.The motif of costume dominated by white color which contains a purity of
the society that uncontaminated by outsiders. The man wear Iket
(head belt) and the women complemented with Kerudung (veil).
The
Baduy Tribes
Visit and Join Us to exploratory The Culture
of Baduy Ethnic Tribes. These are “The
Most Unique Human Beingin the world”. The Ethnic of Baduy Tribes live in the area abaout 5.101 hectares, in
Kanekes Village, Leuwidamar subdistrict, agaout 38 kilometers from Rangkas
Bitung, the City of Lebak Regency, Banten. We only need one hour and half from
Rangkas Bitung to Ciboleger, the Kanekes entrance gate. And The Baduys,
consists of two part, those are the “Inner
Baduy Tribe” and the “Outer Baduy
Tribe”.
The Inner Baduy Tribe or “Suku Baduy Dalam”, live in 3 villages,
those are : Cikeusik Village, Cikertawarna Village, and Cibeo Village. Live in
the remotest part, and never leave, nor will they allow any outsider to enter
their secluded area. They practically have not been touched by modern
living. And the Outer Baduy Tribe or “Suku Baduy Luar”, live in the outer
zone, in the outside of that three villages. There are 53 villages in the
baduy. And allow people to visit and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
There is a tradition community, they have the
firm tradition law, tradition government and they have their own government. There
are three heads of ethnic groups as the head of the goverenment. We call them
“Puun”. The three Puuns have eight assistents which have the same functions and
duties, and also we call it “Jaro”.
The most of Baduy Tribes are the farmers.
They plant the Huma Rice or the paddy plants without water (Ladang) and other
plantations. Beside farmers, they make handicrafts like Koja’s bag, Palm sugar,
Woven products, and less are merchands. And their religion is “Sunda Wiwitan”, they believe only one
God (Sang Hyang Tunggal) as the creature, arrange and decider in the life.The
Baduy is very unique. We couldn’t find in other place in the world. They don’t
want to know the modern life. They are not poor and not rich societies, so they
don’t have jealousy to each other.
Although basically they still lead their
traditional life, in some ways they allow the influence of the outer world.
Some of them even travel and mix with outsiders. The rest of population simply
called themselves “Orang Banten”.
The modern Orang Banten lead the same life style depending on the area where
they live. One interesting thing is that Banten is known for the magical power
possessed by the Gurus or Masters.
Traditional performances called “Debus” are proof that such things
indeed exist. Debus are performed by a group led by a Debus Master who recites
incantations prior to their performances. The show includes making fire on top of one of the member’s heads and
using it to fry crackers, where the master use his fingers as a spatula, and
stabbing themselves with harp knives without harming themselves.
The one more thing, there are many
prohibitions in their tradition law, like : Non to go to schools. Not to keep
cattle (Animals with four legs). Not to travel by vehicles. Don’t use the
electronically tools. Don’t use the luxury house equipments. Not to have more
than one wife / husband. These are the very unique human being in the world.
So, to know this tradition, join us and visit this area. To get best knowledge
and the best adventurer in the world.
Debus Banten
Debus is a
martial art from Banten. This art was created in the 16th century, in the reign
of Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin (1532-1570). Debus, an art which demonstrates the
remarkable human ability, immune to sharp weapons, fire resistant, hard
drinking water, insert objects into a whole coconut, fry an egg on the head and
others.Islamic religion was introduced by Sunan Gunung Jati, one of the
founders of the Sultanate of Cirebon in 1520, in conjunction with the conquest
expedition peacefulness of Sunda Kelapa. Then, when the power held by the
Sultan of Banten Ageng Tirtayasa (1651-1682), Debus focused as a tool to evoke
the spirit of the warriors in the fight against Dutch colonial traders joined
in Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie (VOC).
It is said that martial
arts originated from the area Debus al Madad. The longer the martial arts is
growing and growing in all societies as the art of entertainment offerings for
the community. The show is still very strong core martial arts or martial arts
movement and use of weapons. Debus art offerings, many uses and focus on one
player immune to attacks by sharp items, and sort of sharp weapon is called
with the whistle. Debus in Arabic which means sharp weapons made of iron, has a
pointed tip and slightly rounded shape. With this tool whistle players injured,
and usually can not be penetrated even whistle was beaten many times by others.
Attractions attraction of this body immunity is another variation which is
performed whistle. Among other things, belly pierced with sharp objects or
spears, slicing the body with a machete until the injured and uninjured, eat
fire, insert a long needle into the tongue, skin, cheeks until translucent and
not injured. Cutting limbs to wounded and bleeding but can be cured in
immediately, flush the body with hard water to clothes that cling dibadan
crushed, chewed glass / glass flakes, burn the body. And many more attractions
that they do.
In doing this attraction
every player has a requirement that heavy conditions, before they perform the
ritual ritual performances given by their teachers. Usually done 1-2 weeks
before the ritual performed. In addition they are also required to have a
strong faith and be confident with the teachings of Islam. Precepts for whistle
players are not allowed to drink liquor, gambling, playing a woman, or steal.
And the players also have to believe and did not hesitate in carrying out these
actions, the offenses committed by a player can be very harmful to the player's
soul. According to some historical sources, Debus has a relationship with a
congregation in Islamic teachings. Which in essence is very thick with
religious philosophy, they are in very happy because face to face with his god.
They slammed their body sharps, no effort but by God alone. If God does not
allow a machete, machetes and bullets injure them. And they will not hurt.
At this time
many warriors living dikecamatan Walantaka Debus, keragilan and areas of
attack. Which is unfortunate existence of whistle more and more reduced,
because the youth prefer to seek another livelihood. And because the attraction
is also quite dangerous to do, because it is not uncommon that many whistle
players hurt from lack of exercise and there are "ignorant" to show
they are doing. So the longer the cultural heritage is increasingly extinct. In
the past we can see the attraction of this whistle offerings in many areas, but
now there are only whistle attractions at the event - a specific event. So not
every day we can see this attraction. Cultural heritage, which is increasingly
eroded by the changing times.
“I HAVE BEEN
SUFFERING MUCH”
The above title is the meaning of the words
of Multatuli in Latin. Multatuli is the nickname of Eduard Douwes Dekker, the
writer of a famous book entitled “Max Havelar”, through which he exposed
protest and gave rent to his anger toward native feodal land lords. Through
this book also Lebak became well known to the world as an example of
colonialist greed in it’s colony. Native feodal landlords and Dutch colonialist
who both impoverish people through exploitation, oppression and
despotism.Eduard Douwes Dekker himself was a Dutch colonial official who ever
has good enough position as assistant resident of Banten. Just in that position
he saw a lot of injustice which aroused his anger.
“….. When there is among us who neglected his
duty to make profit, who sold justice for money or seized caribou from the
poor, and fruit belong to the possession of hungry people, who will punish him
if one of you knew it. Of course you would prevent it and Bupati did not let
such a thing occurred in his territory and me too would prevent it whenever I
am able to do it, but if you and I did not know you, sir, the chief of Lebak
country, who would part carry out justice in South Lebak”.
The above words were part of Mulatatuli’s
fragment of vigorous speech part.
The
Bird Sanctuary of Dua Island
The directorate of Nature and Wildlife
Conservation (PPA) does not encourage casual Tour Adventure to this bird sanctuary in the Bay of Banten’s
Dua Island (Pulau Dua). Dua Island is
one of specific areas in the world especially for birds species. Thousands of
birds migrate from countries of Asia, Africa and Australia continents are
gathering here every year from month of April to August. The island of 8
hectares in width is situated at Banten Bay and it is accessible by sailing
boat or motorboat from Tanjung Priok Sea Harbor or Marina, Ancol or Karangantu.
Serious birdwatchers are welcome to visit this island where each year more than
100 bird species from Australia and various regions in Asia and Africa come to
lay their eggs.
Somehow the birds made an agreement until
they obey their itinerary together here for only one destination ; To lay egg
and breed their bird children. Over 100 species of birds migrate from three
continents are the fish eating birds and known to the world such as Heron, Wild
Duck, and the other Duck species, etc. the rest are weather vane and birds that
lay eggs between two up to four. The birds breed their birds children until
they strong enough and able to fly far away and go back to the countries, where
they came from. Then when the children are ready to “Married” and to “Give
Birth”, they also will follow their mother’s hail namely go to “Pulau Dua – Dua
Island” to lay and to hatch their eggs and breed their children.
The birds have already “Surveyed” it before
that, this island is a completely land most modern “Internity Clinic” in the
world. Dua Island is full of unspoiled leafy trees. This is the ideal place to
make a nest and to lay eggs. The place is overflow with pure water supported by
nature and thousands bay of fishes available in Banten which are ready to be
Eden at any time. It’s great support to the bird children’s health. Shortly the
birds is lucky to go through thousands miles to Dua Island.
The Dua Island is a natural conservation area
dedicated by government. To enter Dua Island we need a special permit from
tourism office Serang Regency. The visitors who have gotten the permission will
be given a directions about regulations during visiting the island, especially
during April to August which are the time where the birds laying and hatching
their eggs. A permit from PPA is required.
The Beaches are
The
Binuangeun Beach, The Bagedur
Beach, The Cibodas Beach, The
Karang Taraje Beach, Pulau Manuk
Beach, The Ciantir Beach, The
Anyer Beach, Carita Beach, Sanghyang
Island, Karang Bolong
The
Anyer Kidul Lighthouse
The Lighthouse, which is situated at Anyer
Kidul, was made by the Dutch in 1885, when they were still colonialising
Indonesia. Tower of 75,7 meters in height comprise 18 stories. This antique
building is erect strongly and become the witness of historical event namely
the construction of 1.000 kilometers highway from Anyer to Panarukan. The road
constructions with thousands of forced laborers were intended to connect Java
Island from end to end, especially for postal transportation.
The
Archaeological Site of Lebak Cibedug
The Archaeological Site of Lebak Cibedug is
belongs to Cibeber Village, in Citorek district, on Lebak Regency. The distance
between Cikotok and Citorek is 34 kilometers from Citorek to archaeological
site, and located in about 8 kilometers on The Mount Halimun’s National Park
area. The archaeological site lies in the area 2 Hectares. And also on entrance
gate, we could see the biggest Menhir with 235 Centimeter tall and 336
Centimeters.
The
Chinese Temple
We could visit The Chinese Temple. To reach
this Chinese Temple we have to take detour, along a parallel road leading
further North. At the back of the temple there is a retreat compound. We will
face the altar with burning red candles when we enter the gate. Behind it large
table filled with variety of fruits served as an offering. At the back of the
altar stands the statue of the Goddess of Fortune (Guan Yin or Kwan Im) party
covered by a curtain. The Buddha statue is located in another structure next to
the temple, the front yard is shaded by huge old trees giving it a tranquil
surrounding.
The
Menhir
Believe it or not. That is the sacred Menhir. The visitors could
try pray here in front of it, and if we embrace twice we could know the answer
of our prayer (Got the Answered or No). The site which has 7 steps is made from
Andesit’s stones material. The archaeological site is the inheritance
Megalithic in Neoliticum Era or on prehistory. So, what do you think about it
? Just visit and join us also try it !
The
Banten Museum
The Banten Museum, located in Northern part
of Serang, we could learn the history of Banten and the first time the Dutch
set foot on the island of Java. Weapons, household goods used, clay pipes for
running drinking water and pieces of broken ceramics are also on display. Across the road we could still see the
foundations and remains of the old palace, Surosowan. Banten, the production of
pepper propelled. Banten to become one of the busiest port in the world, equal
to the Dutch port of Amsterdam. This small fishing town’s ancient ruins still
serve as a reminder of times gone by. We could visit Fort Speelwijk and the
Kaibon Palace (Queen’s Palace) originally reached from the sea by canals and
see the ancient walls marking the center of the old city, bronze cannons,
ancient bathing pools, Chinese temples and mosques built over three hundred
years ago.Old Banten built during the reign of Maulana Yusuf 1566. The mosque
is located a short walking distance from the museum. Not too far from the
mosque is the minaret with a spiral staircase to reach the top. From there
Muezzinns voice their prayer calls. At the north of the mosque is the royal
cemetery where four of the earlier Sultans of Banten were buried. The later
Sultans were buried at the South of the Mosque.
Ujung
Kulon Natonal Park (Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon)
Ujung
Kulon peninsula and National Park, located on the South Western tip of Java is
a forested wildlife reserve of 51.000 hectare (132,600 acre), covering both
island of Peucang, and Handeuleum Island which are a part of Panaitan Island.
Ujung Kulon is the one of the most beautiful natural conservation in the world.
This natural and wildlife conservation is closed for public since formerly
except for scientific expeditions or group which has been permitted by the
Directorate of Natural Protection and Preservation in Bogor.
The reserve is the home of the last
surviving one-horned rhinoceros, wild ox, deer, wild boar, crocodiles, snakes
and rare birds, which is exist only in Ujung Kulon, is the excellence of this
place. The horned Rhinoceros is often “Hunted” by camera to get it’s picture.
Hunting Rhinoceros with camera is an absorbing Tour Adventure, to find this
animal sometimes takes times several days. The animal scent is too sensitive
against human outdoor besides it’s number is not much anymore. Besides the one
horned Rhinoceros there are still many more other rare animals inhibit this
unspoiled levy jungle. Ujung Kulon mainland for birds and animals watching.
Apart
from view Bungalows for wardens and visitors on an island and a lighthouse on
the mainland. National Park on Java’s southwestern tip is untamed wilderness.
Visitors need a permit from the government. Directorate of Nature and Wildlife
Conservation (PPA) to get into the park, but it’s worth the effort. From the
Tanjung Layar promontory on the mainland, the view of the Indian Ocean and the
surf breaking against the cliffs far below is unforgettable.Animals as well as plants.In Peucang and Handeuleum
Isles, water there could be seen the beautiful sea garden decorated by various
kinds of tropical fishes is a not less attractive view. To visit Ujung Kulon it
is suggested on the beginning of Aprilaching and loss of habitat.
Peucang
Island & Karang Copong
We could see dolphins escorting the
boat, and leisure for swimming, snorkeling at Peucang Island, visit to Karang
Copong of Peucang Island to watch the sunset, trekking to the Tanjung Layar as
the most westerly point of the Java Island. This island provides reasonable
accommodation for those who wish to explore the wilderness of Ujung Kulon or to
Krakatau. The place is also famous as a stop point for divers and surfers.
Taman Jaya is a pretty coastal village where a WWW office is located and serves
as a starting point for trekking the jungle for nature lovers.
Sumber Investigasi:
F. I. Fatrick &
www.guidingtoindonesia.blogspot.com
